2003 Saab 9-3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Saab 9-3 was completely overhauled for 2003, as the GM-owned Swedish automaker unveiled an entirely new build platform and body styles, updated power plants, and a fully redesigned interior. The trim levels were also renamed, and the number of 9-3 variants was reduced from five to four.
The 9-3 SE Convertible is the only familiar name in the 2003 lineup, and it is only only available version of the convertible body. The coupe has been discontinued entirely. The five-door hatchback body has been replaced with a true four-door sedan, which is offered in three trim levels. The base model is called the Linear, followed by the mid-level Arc and the top tier Vector.
The 2.0 liter inline four returns as the foundation for the 9-3's turbocharged power plants, but two new variations of this engine are less powerful than before. The Linear's 2.0 delivers 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0 liter unit in both the Arc and Vector models supplies 210 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The SE Convertible houses the same 205 horsepower engine. The convertible and the Linear sedan come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and the four-speed automatic is still optional on the SE. The Arc and Vector get a six-speed manual. All sedans are eligible for a new five-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/31 for the sedans and 22/32 mpg for the SE Convertible.
Unfortunately, according to owners, the total redesign did not address the 9-3's questionable reliability and poor ergonomics. Reviewers noted that the interior was significantly modernized, but the poorly designed dash-mounted cup holders remained. Drivers described them as useless, flimsy and poorly placed. Owners also warned about frequent maintenance. Common issues included excessive brake wear, radiator and transmission problems and a variety of nagging electrical issues. However, others have added that the 9-3 is quite powerful for a car that achieves 30+ mpg gas mileage, and despite some continued turbo lag, the 9-3 is regarded as fun to drive.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Saab 9-3
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Tom P
Dec 29, 2021
The problem with older cars is upgrading the stereo system. Either it doesnt blend or its not really compatible. And the fit and finish is not up to modern standards. Nor is the material. I wont buy another classic car. Dec 29, 2021
by Robert F
May 25, 2021
Classy looking fully equipped vehicle. Reliable and low maintenance. May 25, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2014
Very spunky great handling sporty car. Typical cargo space for a sports car. Comfortable seats. SID pixels are notoriously deficient. Paint has blemishes. Soft top easy up and down. I would have expected better quality audio, however stock system is not terrible. Nov 29, 2014
User rating:
by Tom P
Dec 29, 2021
The problem with older cars is upgrading the stereo system. Either it doesnt blend or its not really compatible. And the fit and finish is not up to modern standards. Nor is the material. I wont buy another classic car. Dec 29, 2021
by Robert F
May 25, 2021
Classy looking fully equipped vehicle. Reliable and low maintenance. May 25, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2014
Very spunky great handling sporty car. Typical cargo space for a sports car. Comfortable seats. SID pixels are notoriously deficient. Paint has blemishes. Soft top easy up and down. I would have expected better quality audio, however stock system is not terrible. Nov 29, 2014
by Scott B
Jul 30, 2014
I love turbo Power,
Strong running engine that gets great mileage for all the horsepower (210)
Great handling,
Very quite driving on smooth roads, can't here the motor at all.
Good sound system, 300 watts, with subwoofer, 13 speakers.
Quality parts and finish.
Jul 30, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2013
This 9-3 has good amount of power and torque with excellent fuel economy. I drive fairly aggressively and still manage to get about 28 MPG combined. This car is extremely balanced through corners and is a total blast to drive on the highway.
The sound system is great as well.Jul 06, 2013
by Ben P
Dec 15, 2011
Alot of car for your money.feels very well screwed together,beautifully quiet and comfortable,fuel ecomomy not great but makes up for it with a very slick gearbox and plenty of standard equipment.Has some get up and go when you need it but is so quiet you wouldnt know it unless you stare at the speedo.Dec 15, 2011
by Eric B
Jul 26, 2011
This Saab is an attractive, nibble, and luxurious vehicle. This car revs up 175hp with a fuel economy of 35 mpg. The powertrain on this car is solid and was engineered for excellence and includes 4-link rear suspension with "ReAxs," a Power Assist Rack & Pinion Steering, a 2.0 liter, and a 4 cyclinder DOHC Turbo engine. The interior features are power driver seat, in dash 6 CD changer with Saab infotainment, automatic climate control, and heated front seats. This particular model has all pleasures of the Vector and the fuel economy of the base model which make this car a "perfectly balanced value."
Jul 26, 2011
by Jarrad K
Jun 12, 2011
Great car overall... if they fixed the electrical problems it would be perfect. Could use a little more power under the hood but otherwise can own other cars in its class. Amazing breaking and handling.. vest car ive owned in the snow.Jun 12, 2011
by Joseph H
Mar 07, 2011
I love this car, the 2.0 Turbo is good on gas and has amazing pickup. No repairs needed, so the cost of ownership ahs been cheap!
Really fun car to drive. A few interior electrical problems but they were easy to fix. Mar 07, 2011
by Andrej L
Nov 09, 2010
A really underrated car that makes a great alternative to bmw 3s or audi a4s. In a world where a 3 series is every other car, this is truly a head turner. Fun to drive, and a really good turbo completes this ride! Nov 09, 2010
by Helge A
Oct 11, 2010
A nice, powerful sedan with clean lines and appearance.
2,2 litre TiD engine, no extencive styling which made it a kind of anonymous vehicle with LOADS of torque.
A reliable and comfortable ride, allthough anonymous.
Average diesel consumption = 0,65 - 0,70 litres/10 km.Oct 11, 2010
by Austin B
Jun 17, 2010
PRO'S: sweet looks, sunroof, heated leather, center console key placement, on-board computer, speed (turbo), comfort.
CON'S: daytime running lights burn out quickly, center console sqeaks when you lean on it, can be very finicky sometimes.
FUN FACT: faster than a porche 911 turbo from 40-70mph.Jun 17, 2010
by Tyler R
Feb 22, 2010
Remember these ratings are relative. For a poor, married, college student, this car is about as good as it gets.
Solid performance. Not a burner in a straight line, but fast enough to have fun. Get the Arc if you need better acceleration. One of the best handling front wheel drive cars I've driven. Balanced, good turn in and minimal understeer. Very fun to drive. 30-35 MPG on the highway.
Great interior. Comfortable seats. Soft leather and heated. High quality sound system and sunroof/moonroof.
It's needed a few repairs, but I bought it used, so that's to be expected. Nothing major and no repeated repairs.
It's a great choice for people who want a quality sport luxury sedan, but want something more unique than all of the BMWs and Audi's out there. The Saab has all the luxury, styling and most of the performance of the germans (maybe even better than a comparable Audi, a little behind a BMW) at a much lower price (used resale value). I've driven multiple Audi A4's and BMW 3-series 2001-2004 for comparison.
Feb 22, 2010
by Parker M
Jan 16, 2010
This car is awesome! Its very fun to drive and is very quick
but build quality is disappointing... clearly cuz its a saab. It
looks awesome and the rims are sweet, gotta love lo-pro tires.
Absolutely sick car for sureJan 16, 2010
by Christina V
Nov 24, 2009
performance - acceleration is real good, good brakes, amazing handling.
build quality - no repairs yet... dashboard's a little squeaky thats about it
appearance - beautiful inside and out =)
cost of ownership - gas mileage is pretty good
fun factor - definitely fun to drive!Nov 24, 2009
by Mattias P
Jul 23, 2009
nice body. really nice to drive and ok to repair. made in
sweden, in trollhättan. Does not use too much gas. nice to
drive in long trips. Pretty easy to load the bags when you are
giong somewhere. thats is all for now. Jul 23, 2009
by Sam M
Mar 28, 2009
Saabs in general have never been main stream, there is something to be said however, for having a stylish Swedish car. I've had 3 Saabs up til now, and this one by far has been my favorite. Handling is petty good, thanks to the good sports suspension it came with. On the downside, it can never handle like a BMW 3 Series, for pure fact that it's front wheel drive, and has more weight in the front of the car. It brakes well, and accelerates with purpose, not too fast or too slow. Build quality still leaves something to be desired. Too shoddy on the quality of materials, no thanks to what GM gives SAAB to work with. Cost of ownership is something to HIGHLY CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING! The parts are not cheap! All in all, I love this car, not for just what it is, but for how it identifies myself; willing to not be main stream, and take "The Road Not Taken".Mar 28, 2009
by Andrew B
Jun 12, 2008
low to ground, easy to scrape, Good mpg, lasts forever, sturdy build,
attractive, fun to drive, has good get up and go. great handlingJun 12, 2008
by Steven B
Apr 06, 2008
i have had a maxima , 3-series BMW , and now this saab vector 2003.. this is all in all the best of the 3! you pay a little more for certain things... but it is worth it in the long run... runs faster than 3-series.. Apr 06, 2008
by Rich B
Mar 06, 2008
The 9-3 is very comparable to the other entry level European sport sedans, and even a Mazda 6. The BMW 3-series and Audi A4 are probably "nicer" and of higher quality, but the 9-3 has more HP and, in my opinion, much faster acceleration. Also, Saab is part of GM, making repairs somewhat more affordable.Mar 06, 2008
by Michael W
Feb 26, 2008
I px`d my Micra & Porsche for this Saab 9-3, and to be honest I regretted it a few weeks after.
Although it was a very quick car, with a trendy "Sport" button for extra performance, (think poor man`s Nitro!), and not too bad on fuel, there was a niggling squeaky noise that came from somewhere we could not locate.
I must admit it was a great car to drive, it gave me a feel of superiority on the road, it was far better than the Ford Mondeo`s etc on the road at the time, even ones newer than the Saab.
If I had to change my car again I would not hesitate to think of another Saab.Feb 26, 2008
by Brian K
Jan 09, 2008
Takes corners fast enough to peel your face off with not even a hint of tire squeel... It's fast The car is a Turbo I-4 It spools very quickly and Boost's at 10PSI. Full cold air intake set up... Also a Forge Motorsport 300HP WasteGate....Jan 09, 2008
What users have asked
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Air conditioning in 2003 9-3
My Saab 9-3 ..2003 air conditioning blowing hot air I had condensing unit replacement 2 years ago and blower replaced last year. Does it need Freon charge? Or something else?
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2003 Saab 9-3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$26,670 to $40,670Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
